Woodbine’s leading jockey for the past three years, KAZUSHI KIMURA, has made a change.
The young man from Japan, who is quickly becoming internationally known, has hired Tom Patton as his agent, replacing Jordan Miller.
Miller has been Kimura’s agent since the sensational rider began his career at Woodbine in 2018, winning consecutive Sovereign Awards for Outstanding Apprentice and an Eclipse Award for Top Apprentice. Kimura continued to rise to the top of the standings once he became a journeyman, leading all riders in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by wins. He earned Sovereigns for Outstanding Jockey each of those years.
In 2023, Kimura matched his previous year’s win output at 175 and set a personal record for career earnings of $8.7 million. He also has made a name riding on the California circuit in the winter, picking up graded stakes wins while riding for some of the top trainers in the United States.
In May, Kimura rode the Bob Baffert-trained Mr. Fisk to victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2).
Patton, who has guided the careers of stars such as Patrick Husbands, Eurico Rosa da Silva, and Jono Jones among others, recently returned to being an agent this spring after a one-year hiatus. Patton represents promising apprentice Pietro Moran.
“I look forward to this season and working with Kazushi,” said Patton, who comes from a family of horsepeople including father-trainer Tom and sister Kathy. “And I think Jordan did a great job with Kazushi.”
Patton spent last year working with the new King Animal Hospital with its launch and marketing and with that vet facility now established, he is excited to get back to the track.
“I love the competition, working outside and everything about the sport. I love to watch replays of races each night and develop relationships with various trainers.”
Born in Rhode Island but a Canadian citizen, Patton has been the agent for riders who have collected 11 Sovereign Awards. “I’ve been very fortunate along the way. Kazushi and Pietro are both young guys who are very ambitious.”
Currently, Kimura has 12 wins at Woodbine this year, seven behind leader Rafael Hernandez.
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